A gathering that began around noon on March 8 at the University Credit Union (UCU) plaza in Orono involved approximately 200 protestors dressed in pink who marched for International Women’s Day. The event was locally organized by the Orono Democrats in partnership with several Orono resident volunteers. Protesters held signs, chanted slogans and marched toward the Brandon M. Silk Memorial Bridge in an hour-long demonstration.
At the heart of the march was Orono Resident and Event Organizer Patty Kenny, who addressed the crowd before leading the group downhill. Standing in the plaza, Kenny reminded attendees of the historical significance of their activism.
“[We are] fighting back against fascism to protect our freedoms, just like generations before us who marched, organized and refused to stay silent,” said Kenny.
Among the signs in the crowd, Kenny herself carried a striking message. Draped across her back was a laminated black sign with an elephant symbol in a uterus painted on, reading, “No elephants in our wombs!” Her hot pink jacket matched the sea of supporters who signaled solidarity through their clothing choices by wearing red lipstick or pink clothing.
In a short interview with the Maine Campus, Kenny shared her reasons for helping organize and participating in the march.
“We are truly at a crisis moment for all the human race and democracy. And I’m going to try to do everything I can. Sometimes it feels like it’s too overwhelming, but things like this remind you that you do have some power to influence,” said Kenny.
As the march began, participants moved in unison down the hill toward the bridge. Among them, Orono Resident Emma Blair held a sign reading, “Get in good trouble,” a nod to late civil rights leader John Lewis.
Oncoming traffic reacted with mixed responses. Some drivers honked in support, while others shouted pro-Trump slogans or revved their engines in disapproval. Several vehicles adorned with Trump stickers sped past the marchers.
As the crowd reached the bridge, signs became more visible as the group came to a halt. Messages varied in tone and urgency. One sign read, “Our problems exist because keeping them unsolved benefits those in power! Resist.” Another, encircled in a hula hoop, declared, “I need to be able to tell my children I did not stay silent.” Others were shorter, stating, “Women for democracy” and “Hell no! We won’t go back.”
The energy remained high as participants took their places along the bridge, a central access point to downtown Orono. Kathy Pelletier, a longtime Orono resident, proudly hoisted a sign that read, “Love over hate. Hope over fear. Truth over lies. Science over fiction. Democracy over fascism.” Looking around at the large turnout, Pelletier expressed excitement over the community’s engagement.
Protestors marched across the bridge while chanting slogans such as, “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Elon Musk has got to go.” The crowd stretched from the UCU plaza entry point to the far side of the bridge, filling most of the available space. While women comprised the majority of participants, the demonstration also saw a notable presence of men and children.
Orono resident Heather Ragner, an activist with decades of experience in protesting held a sign reading, “Deport Musk and impeach Trump.” Ragner shared that she was thrilled to see a strong turnout among students and young families.
Another participant, Kathy Klein, attended the march to voice her concerns about the current state of American politics.
“I feel like what’s going on with our government is very wrong. We’re not taking care of people who need to be taken care of. We’re abandoning the principles of our democracy. Women’s rights- everyone’s rights- but especially women’s rights, are being eroded,” Klein said. Her bright pink sign echoed the sentiment, reading, “This sign isn’t big enough to say why I march!”
As the protest continued, a large group gathered at the bridge’s midpoint, with a sign reading “Save the USA” positioned prominently in the foreground. The march, which had begun at noon, saw participants gradually return to the UCU plaza about an hour later where they stood together once more before dispersing.
University of Maine Student Mads Howorth, who held a transgender pride flag high above the crowd, was also interviewed. With a church steeple in the background and gusty winds whipping the flag, Howorth stood firm and ensured their message remained visible to passing cars. Reflecting on the event, Howorth appreciated the varied media coverage and the diverse group of attendees who showed up to support the cause.
Despite the differing reactions from passersby, the International Women’s Day March successfully brought together over 200 local voices demanding action. For many in attendance like Howorth, the march was not just a demonstration in response to federal and local changes, but also a reaffirmation of community resilience and support amid a turbulent political climate.
